CHAPTER 7

I turned my attention to the girl who had been trembling in the corner the entire time. She looked up at me, her eyes wide with fear and gratitude.

"Hey, are you okay?" I asked softly, kneeling down beside her.

She wiped her tears, nodding slowly. "Thank you...if you hadn't come, I don't know what would've happened."

Her dress was torn slightly, so I quickly called Mia, asking her to bring my jacket. After a few minutes, Mia arrived and handed me the jacket.

"Here, put this on," I said to the girl, wrapping the jacket around her. "It matches your outfit perfectly, so you can still enjoy the party."

She smiled, a wave of relief washing over her face. "Thank you...I don't know how to repay you."

"There's no need. Just take care of yourself. What's your name?"

"Amelia," she whispered.

Before we could talk further, Noah called, letting us know it was time to leave. We had an early day tomorrow at university, and after everything that happened, I was more than ready to head home.

What a day! Exhausted, I couldn't help but feel a strange satisfaction, knowing I stood up for what was right. But that didn't change the fact that tomorrow was a new day, and unfortunately, I'd have to face that arrogant jerk Xavier Knight again.

One Year Later

It's hard to believe it's been a year since I first set foot at Dillion University. So much has changed over the past twelve months. For starters, Noah and Mia have been dating for six months now, and as unexpected as it was, Noah and I have grown to become best friends. Meanwhile, Xavier and Mia have developed a sibling-like relationship, much to my surprise.

But despite these changes, some things have stayed the same. For instance, my relationship with Xavier remains as combative as ever. We still argue and annoy each other on a daily basis, and our insufferable teacher, Ms. Adams, hasn't grown any less irritating either. One thing I've come to realize about Xavier, though, is that he has the most twisted sense of humor I've ever encountered, and his favorite pastime seems to be finding new ways to annoy me.

The worst part of the year was Rick leaving the university. He moved in with his boyfriend Max, and although we keep in touch, I can't help but miss him being around. Things just aren't the same without his playful energy.

At Dillion University

After lunch, we were all getting ready to head back to our classes. As I grabbed my books and turned around, I nearly jumped out of my skin when I found Xavier standing right behind me.

"You dumbass!" I snapped, my heart still racing from the shock.

"I need to talk to you, Jones," he said, grabbing my hand before I could protest.

"Where do you think you're taking me, jerk?" I demanded, glaring at him.

He smirked and tilted his head in the direction behind me. "Unless you want to get caught by the principal, I suggest you come with me."

I spun around and, sure enough, the principal was heading in our direction. Without waiting for my response, Xavier pulled me into a small room hidden behind the staircase—one I hadn't even known existed until now.

As the door closed behind us, I let out a shaky breath, trying to calm my racing heart. "We should head back to class," I said, reaching for the door handle.

But Xavier stopped me. "What do you think you're doing, sweetheart?" he asked sarcastically.

"I'm checking if the coast is clear so we can leave."

"And risk getting detention? Sure, let's do that. You've never gotten detention before, have you?" he teased, reaching for the door.

My record! I thought, panicking at the idea of him ruining it. I yanked him back with such force that he stumbled and fell against me. I shut my eyes tightly, feeling the weight of him pressing down on me. After a few moments, I opened my eyes, only to find him staring at me with an unreadable expression.

For some reason, I couldn't tear my gaze away from his face. My heart pounded in my chest as my brain screamed, Ava Jones, what the hell are you doing? I snapped out of my thoughts immediately.

"Get off me, you pig!" I yelled, pushing him off with as much force as I could muster. He finally stood up, and I got to my feet, nervously licking my lips.

"What was that all about?" he asked, glaring at me.

Ignoring his question, I tried to open the door again, but the knob wouldn't budge. Panic began to rise in me. "Xavier, the door's not opening!" I exclaimed, my voice trembling.

"Calm down, Ava," he said in a low voice. "I'm here with you."

"Like I care!" I snapped. "Do you think I enjoy being stuck with you?"

"Keep yelling, and I can't guarantee what I'll do next," he whisper-growled, his tone sending a shiver down my spine.

"Why are you always so dirty-minded?" I hissed, glaring at him.

He shrugged nonchalantly. "You're my problem, Jones. I'll behave however I want. Who are you to control me? My wife? My girlfriend?"

I scoffed. "I feel sorry for the girl who'll end up marrying you. She'll need all the strength in the world to deal with your rude, obnoxious self."

Ava Jones – 1. Xavier Knight – 0.

"Funny, coming from someone who'll probably marry an idiot," he shot back with a smirk.

Ouch. That hurt.

Xavier Knight – 1.

"You know what, Xavier?" I leaned toward him, determined to win this round. "The guy I marry will be one of a kind."

He raised an eyebrow. "Oh, you mean an alien? I'm sure you'll have the world's most special kids."

Xavier Knight – 3.

"Ugh, never mind," I sighed, feeling my competitive streak lose its edge.

Ava Jones lost the argument!!! My brain taunted me.

Sighing in defeat, I changed the subject. "So, what did you want to talk to me about?"

"Tuesday is Noah's birthday," he replied. "We need to plan a surprise for him—the three of us."

I saluted him mockingly. "Aye aye, sir."